The song lyrics were written by the band Van Halen, as they were asked to write a song for the 1979 movie "Over the Edge" starring Matt Dillon. The movie (and the lyrics, although more obliquely) are about bored, rebellious youth with nothing better to do than get into trouble. If you see the movie, these lyrics will make more sense. It's a great movie if you grew up in the 70s/80s you'll definitely remember some of these characters from your own life. Fun fact, after writing the song, Van Halen decided not to let the movie use it.
What I thought was life
Came to an end
Born into a world
I never asked for this
I've got to get away
I've got to get away
I've got to get away
I've got to get away!
Born into hardship
World of destruction
Suffer, bastard
Suffer, bastard
I've got to get away
I've got to get away
I've got to get away
I've got to get away!
Take me to heaven
Adorn me with wings
Suffer, bastard
I've got to get away
I've got to get away
I've got to get away
I've got to get away!
Suffer, bastard
What I thought was life
Came to an end
Born into a world
I never asked for this
I've got to get away
I've got to get away
I've got to get away
I've got to get away!
Born into hardship
World of destruction
Suffer, bastard
Suffer, bastard
I've got to get away
I've got to get away
I've got to get away
I've got to get away!
I've got to get away
I've got to get away
I've got to get away
I've got to get away
Came to an end
Born into a world
I never asked for this
I've got to get away
I've got to get away
I've got to get away
I've got to get away!
Born into hardship
World of destruction
Suffer, bastard
Suffer, bastard
I've got to get away
I've got to get away
I've got to get away
I've got to get away!
Take me to heaven
Adorn me with wings
Suffer, bastard
I've got to get away
I've got to get away
I've got to get away
I've got to get away!
Suffer, bastard
What I thought was life
Came to an end
Born into a world
I never asked for this
I've got to get away
I've got to get away
I've got to get away
I've got to get away!
Born into hardship
World of destruction
Suffer, bastard
Suffer, bastard
I've got to get away
I've got to get away
I've got to get away
I've got to get away!
I've got to get away
I've got to get away
I've got to get away
I've got to get away
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In regards to the meaning of this song:
Before a live performance on the EP Five Stories Falling, Geoff states “It’s about the last time I went to visit my grandmother in Columbus, and I saw that she was dying and it was the last time I was going to see her. It is about realizing how young you are, but how quickly you can go.”
That’s the thing about Geoff and his sublime poetry, you think it’s about one thing, but really it’s about something entirely different. But the lyrics are still universal and omnipresent, ubiquitous, even. So relatable. That’s one thing I love about this band. I also love their live performances, raw energy and Geoff’s beautiful, imperfectly perfect vocals. His voice soothes my aching soul.
Dreamwalker
Silent Planet
Silent Planet
I think much like another song “Anti-Matter” (that's also on the same album as this song), this one is also is inspired by a horrifying van crash the band experienced on Nov 3, 2022. This, much like the other track, sounds like it's an extension what they shared while huddled in the wreckage, as they helped frontman Garrett Russell stem the bleeding from his head wound while he was under the temporary effects of a concussion. The track speaks of where the mind goes at the most desperate & desolate of times, when it just about slips away to all but disconnect itself, and the aftermath.
Just A Little Lovin'
Dusty Springfield
Dusty Springfield
I don't think it's necessarily about sex. It's about wanting to start the day with some love and affection. Maybe a warm cuddle. I'm not alone in interpreting it that way! For example:
"'Just a Little Lovin’ is a timeless country song originally recorded by Eddy Arnold in 1954. The song, written by Eddie Miller and Jimmy Campbell, explores the delicate nuances of love and showcases Arnold’s emotive vocals. It delves into the universal theme of love and how even the smallest gesture of affection can have a profound impact on our lives." https://oldtimemusic.com/the-meaning-behind-the-song-just-a-little-lovin-by-eddy-arnold/
Blue
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Blue” is a song about a love that is persisting in the discomfort of the person experiencing the emotion. Ed Sheeran reflects on love lost, and although he wishes his former partner find happiness, he cannot but admit his feelings are still very much there. He expresses the realization that he might never find another on this stringed instrumental by Aaron Dessner.
I figured this song was actually about suicide or at the very least about wanting to die. He "never asked" to be "born into this world." There was a point when he "thought" he would have a great life but now it's as if the world is telling him no, "Suffer" while you're here, you "bastard." He hopes that he can leave this world and go to "heaven." However, based on pirateballoon's post, perhaps there is an interview Burt did that I never saw/heard. Without any input from Burt himself, I would've figured this was about suicide or about a passive death wish at the very least.